ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Friday signed a new 10 years lease agreement of Sui Gas Filed (2015-25) with Balochistan government.
Chief Secretary Balochistan Saifullah Chatta and Federal Secretary Petroleum Arshad Mirza inked the agreement here at Balochistan House. Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, State Minister Jam Kamal, Parliamentarians of Balochistan and officials of petroleum ministry were present on the occasion.
As per agreement, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) would invest Rs 20 billion for providing basic amenities including education, health and other facilities in Sui area. PPL will continue supply of free of charge natural gas to Sui Town, give jobs to local people.
The agreement has already been approved by Balochistan cabinet. Balochistan government would be given 50 percent share of Sui Gas field revenues. As per agreement, production bonus would be spent in Sui area after Zargon area as per 18th amendment.
An official of Petroleum Ministry told APP that production bonus would help alleviating grievances of Sui area. PPL would ensure social uplift of the gas production areas.
As per agreement surface facilities of the gas filed would be owned by provincial government after the expiry of the lease agreement. Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri told APP that Balochistan was the future of the country.
The benefits of gas production would be extended to local population. The provincial government of Balochistan has agreed to extend the lease of Sui gas field for PPL for another 10 years. The rights of Dera Bugti people have been protected.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appreciated Balochistan cabinet for protecting the rights of Balochistan people through people friendly lease agreement. The people of Balochistan will get benefit of the agreement.
The revenues of Balochistan have been maximized. PPL had acquired a 30-year lease of Sui gas field in 1954, which was renewed for another 30 years in 1983.
According to the terms and conditions, rights of people of Balochistan, particularly of Dera Bugti were fully protected in the agreement. Earlier lease period expired on the May 30th, 2015 which was given one year extension on temporary basis.
